Under the plan, the school district would lease the building to UVM $20,000 a year for 80 years with an upfront payment of $1.6 million. About 65 Burlington students in two programs would have to move to other spaces. The school board approved the deal earlier this month.

Superintendent Jeanne Collins said the district would find space for the two programs and that if the deal is approved by the full council, the move would not take place until 2015 or 2016.

Opponents said they are concerned about the land swap, which originally included buying the St. Joseph's School too.

UVM said the Taft building could be renovated into an arts space. A will by the building's namesake requires the facility be used for educational purposes.

The building also houses utility space for Burlington Telecom.

City Council must approve the deal for it to move forward. The board also said the lease would have to be reviewed in superior court.